Toscotec finalizes a drying section rebuilding project including a new drive system and tail feeding for Smurfit Kappa Italia - at Ponte all’Ania, Lucca.

Smurfit Kappa Italia has successfully started up its PM3 at Ponte dell’Ania mill, after a dryer section rebuild supplied by Toscotec.The scope of the delivery was an advanced mechanical transmission section in “silent drive” with a new frame on the drive side for the whole machine, the installation of uni-run vacuum rolls in the first drying battery and an automatic air paper threading system in the first two drying sections and on the size press. The modification has completely changed the dryer section layout with the relocation of fabric rolls, improving machine runnability and reducing noise and vibration.

Toscotec service specialists have provided the complete mechanical erection and supervision of the project and the commissioning and start up assistance for the fine-tuning of the new equipment.“The project was completed before the date agreed upon with SK and the performance was achieved immediately after start-up. The new drive technology exceeds all our expectations with regard to downtime improvements and it allowed a considerable reduction of noise and vibration that will reduce maintenance cost” - says Massimiliano Listi, Mill Manager of Smurfit Kappa Ania.“This project contributes to strengthening the partnership between Smurfit Kappa and Toscotec” - says Enrico Fazio, Toscotec Sales Manager – P&B division.“It is worth mentioning that, in addition to this project, which consolidates the long-standing collaboration with Lucca-based SK Ania, in the last two years Toscotec has taken part in almost all the projects developed by Smurfit in South America (Colombia, Mexico and Argentina) and it has just begun an important cooperation with the group in France. With this important rebuild project, Toscotec consolidates its leadership in the dryer section best available technology.”.